To start this topic, here is a link to a Metrorail (to get from here to there; not a joyride) trip report I submitted to the Light Rail And Transit Forum:
The burning question(s) here - When will Tri-Rail move into the new Airport Transit Station and will they bring their hard-luck cousin Amtrak with them?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Presley, according to the Intermodal Center's website, Tri Rail will begin service there "late 2013", but then construction projects and Amtrak trains have something in common - they run late.
The site is rather quiet with regards to Amtrak, and I would be inclined to think Amtrak's best interests would be served to simply "stay put".
The only groups of passengers that would be benefited are those renting an auto or desiring to use a "jitney" van service, such as Super Shuttle - and I honestly do not think either comprises too many. Lest we forget, there is only one station in Florida that has a staffed (at train times) outlet with autos ready to go - and that is Orlando, where there is a Hertz outlet.
For passengers being met, parking in a secured lot is free - "uh, not exactly" will such be the case at the Intermodal Center. I think all too many elderly passengers, and those meeting them, who do not regularly travel could be quite confused at a facility such as this MIC.
Taxicabs? I would guess an "either/or".
So far as operations go, there would have to be a reverse move made for each of the four total arrivals and departures - more traffic across the soon to get even busier FEC X-ing at Iris. While likely a "flyover" should have been part of the MIC plan, it wasn't. The FEC traffic will increase significantly as they begin operating "shuttles" between the Port and their Hialeah facility which is not really within the corporate limits of that named municipality, but rather in an unincorporated area to the West of the airport.
Finally, to modify my earlier linked trip report, likely the reason for Orange Line terminating at the airport perimeter is that the People Mover will also be used by passengers using both parking and auto rental facilities.
All told; Amtrak, just stay put.
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
Is there much real estate development going on in the immediate area of the rail station? Isn't the FECI planning to use that station as its Miami terminal for the All Aboard Florida system? FECI is planning to develop adjacent properties into business/shopping/residential complexes that would feed into the rail line. Any signs of life?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Vincent, regarding real estate development at or near the Amtrak station - none. Even though Miami is a revitalized city to such extent that whenever I go there (and pay what I paid for one night at a "major brand"), look at the all the "beautiful people" strutting around, and I ask myself "recession, what recession?", there is still a "wrong part of town' - and that is where the Amtrak station is located. It is very convenient to the former SAL/SCL Maintenance Facility, but "not exactly to attractions".
To put it mildly, the jitney I used to get into town from the airport this past Saturday let one passenger off in a part I would not want to be in after sundown (NE 55th St).
Regarding All Aboard Florida, the ostensible "plan", is to build a station in Downtown Miami on land that the FEC owns and has not really developed since the previous station was torn down during 1963, or after the FEC ceased interline passenger operations.
But then I should disclaim; I'm not sure which passenger service initiative I am more skeptical about; AAF or PRJ.
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
I've been looking for more information about the Miami station (I've never set foot in Florida so I'm pretty unfamiliar with the properties). Apparently, FECI plans to build its terminal at the historic site of the Flagler depot and develop nearby commercial properties. If there is sufficient local commerce and there is easy access to the station(s) for the targeted riders, then there may be some logic to the FECI plans. FECI is expecting ~3 million annual passengers generating ~$145 million in revenue by the year 2018.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Vincent, here is roundly what the area looked like when the Googlemobile last drove by. The Dade County Courthouse, that Henry liked to pass off to the unsuspecting was the FEC station, is visible.
Also visible is the Metrorail Government Center station I used and noted in my trip report.
The FECI plan has 2 alternate sites for the AAF Miami station, both are right next to the Courthouse (one is elevated, one is at-grade). Development plans at the site include:
quote: A fifteen-story office building that would anchor the southern end of the property; A thirty-story residential and hotel tower that would front on NW First Avenue at Third Street and be constructed over the tracks; and Structured parking garages that would be built in the air rights over the station platforms between Second and Third Streets and between Third and Fourth Streets for the TOD-related uses.
Over at a topic related to Denver Union Station, I wrote:
Amtrak seems to be dragging feet over accessing St Paul UD, and I'll place bets that they are not going to use the Miami Intermodal Center.
In response, Ms. Sojourner wrote;
How much do you want to bet about the Miami Intermodal center, Mr N? I would like to take you up on that bet and make some money!
I suggested that any further discussion on this challenge move forth at a topic more related to Miami.
My reasoning for such is set forth at post #00002; nothing has come to my attention since writing last March to have me change that position.
It will be interesting to learn if any here have cogent reasons suggesting Amtrak will move their "two a day" to the MIC (that is an accepted acronym, BTW, as distinct from "forumese"). The economics of such move are clearly absent, and passenger convenience is at best a toss-up.
Finally, I shall further note that IF Amtrak DOES move to MIC, such will be in response to some political "leanin'" such as I believe was the case with the restoration of 448-449, Lake Shore Limited, as a through Boston-Chicago train offering Sleeper service. However, Florida is kind of void for political "leaners" beyond Rep. John Mica (R-FL7). But lest we note, how many in the Miami Metro area have occasion to see his name on a ballot?
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
This is a May local TV report on the station and the problem with length of the platforms for Amtrak. Sounds like Amtrak is still planning on being there. The video clip is interesting as it shows a bit of the station design if you look fast.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
I don't know why you say passenger convenience is at best a tossup. The current station location is isolated. Since trains arrive late and the Meteor leaves early, the (slow) bus you can take to and from the station is not convenient, so you have to take a taxi. That is VERY expensive to the popular tourist areas (downtown by the cruise ships, Miami Beach, etc.). But if the station is relocated by the airport, the airport Super Shuttle service will presumably stop there, or nearby. That's a substantial saving over taxis. When I took a taxi to Miami Amtrak Station from south beach EARLY ON A SUNDAY MORNING--the least congested time of the week--it was $38 plus tip. When I took a Super Shuttle on a (busy) weekday morning from the airport to the same location in South Beach, it was $21 (and no tip). That's a substantial saving.
Consolidation is also convenient for car rental agencies, bus routing, even the taxis themselves, who become more likely to get fares in both directions.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by sojourner: When I took a Super Shuttle on a (busy) weekday morning from the airport to the same location in South Beach, it was $21 (and no tip). That's a substantial saving.
Let's see now; digging out my applicable American Express statement, I find that Super Shuttle fare KMIA to Marriott Biscayne Blvd was $16 - and to which I added a $3 tip.
Hard as I try not to be, some have called me cheapskate in this life.
One would think that a jitney shuttle could benefit Amtrak passengers especially where the station is remotely located - and even more so when an operator's home base is quite nearby; case in point: Miami. However, I doubt if the demand is there as one party or the other would have approached their counter to propose such a service.
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
It looks like the All Aboard Florida people are making progress:
quote: A $1.5 billion passenger train that would link Orlando with Miami is just one deal from becoming reality.